Skip to content

As ministers we ought to speak of God. We are human…

“As ministers we ought to speak of God. We are human, however, and so cannot speak of God. We ought therefore to recognize both our obligation and our inability and by that very recognition give glory to God” quote by Karl Barth
Download Open image
“As ministers we ought to speak of God. We are human, however, and so cannot speak of God. We ought therefore to recognize both our obligation and our inability and by that very recognition give glory to God”

Karl Barth

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human beings cannot fully describe the divine; acknowledging our limits honors God while recognizing our moral duty.

In simple terms: We can’t fully speak of God, but we must still act responsibly.

Key Takeaway

Accept human limitation and act ethically.

Themes

theology humility obligation faith knowledge

Mood

reflective serious

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • preaching
  • ethical decision‑making
  • interfaith dialogue

Key Concepts

divine mystery ethical responsibility spiritual humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to speak of God responsibly?
  • How can we balance humility with moral action?
A Different Perspective

Some may argue this limits theological discourse.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Karl Barth

Explore all 131 Karl Barth quotes

More Giving quotes

Browse all 39,303 Giving quotes